Those affected or infected with HIV/AIDS have often faced ostracism from friends, family, and workplaces, casting a shadow over their already challenging circumstances. The experiences of four men—Andrew Peters, Michael Buck, Andrew Fay, and David Morgan—highlight the grim realities of discrimination during the height of the AIDS crisis.

Peters was dismissed from his position as a restaurant manager simply for allowing a television crew to film a segment in his establishment, aiming to raise awareness about the pandemic. Buck, a cinema projectionist with 17 years of service, was let go solely due to his sexual orientation, as his colleagues and employer unfoundedly feared he might be HIV positive.

Fay, employed by London Lighthouse, faced similar repercussions as he was fired for struggling to meet work demands after his AIDS diagnosis. Lastly, Morgan was dismissed for being “overtly” gay, with his employer even disclosing his HIV status. In the face of adversity, all four men took courageous steps to challenge their employers legally, confronting the pervasive fear and prejudice surrounding HIV/AIDS.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog AIDS: THE LOST VOICES - EMPLOYMENT CLAIMS

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers
• Audio Clip: Soho Brasserie on AIDS ©Thames Television 'AIDS The Last Chance'
• Audio Clip: 1987 UK Government AIDS Monolith TV Advert
• Audio Clip: The London Lighthouse AIDS Hospice © Thames Television News
• Audio Clip: 1986 Gay Rights Protest Haringey Council © Thames Television News

Todd Shuttleworth, at the age of 31, faced life-altering news when he was diagnosed with AIDS in June 1984, a devastating revelation that led to his employer, in Broward County, Florida, discovering his condition and subsequently terminating his position as a Budget Analyst.

Todd became one of the first individuals in the United States to take legal action against the county for wrongful dismissal, marking the beginning of a protracted legal battle that paralleled his personal struggle with the illness.

As he sought treatment in San Francisco, Todd's journey became emblematic of a broader fight for rights and recognition amidst the stigma surrounding AIDS, showcasing his resilience in the face of both societal and institutional challenges. Through the tumultuous years that followed, his determination to advocate for justice reflected a deeper commitment to not only his own health but also to the welfare of others facing similar battles.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog AIDS: THE LOST VOICES - TODD SHUTTLEWORTH

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers

In the 1980s, society grappled with the grim reality of the AIDS epidemic, but it was the subsequent emergence of 'AIPS' —AIDS Induced Panic Syndrome— that reshaped the public narrative. While AIDS was a tangible threat, the hysteria of AIPS often overshadowed the actual disease, leading to an array of absurd stories that could easily be deemed laughable, such as the belief you could catch AIDS through sharing a swimming pool.

Conversely, the darker side of AIPS manifested in horrifying incidents where innocent individuals, often misidentified as carriers of the virus, faced brutal physical and verbal abuse, reinforcing the devastating impact of ignorance and fear. This duality of response—ranging from the ludicrous to the tragic—illustrates the potent mix of anxiety and misinformation that characterised the era, making it a pivotal moment in the history of public health.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog AIDS: THE LOST VOICES - AIDS v AIPS

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers

Episode 4 of 4

Dave Patridge was 31 when he received the diagnosis of AIDS in the summer of 1987, a time when fear and misinformation surrounded the disease. Originating from Illinois, he courageously chronicled his journey through illness in a diary, which he shared with the Herald & Review newspaper under the pseudonym ‘Jacob’, inspired by the character from La Cage Aux Folles.

His poignant reflections resonated with the Decatur community, with the odd objection, providing insight into the struggles and realities faced by those living with AIDS. Nearly four decades later, as someone living with HIV, I feel it is essential to amplify Dave's voice and preserve his legacy. By sharing his words, I aim to ensure that his experiences and messages continue to inform and inspire, honouring the journey he navigated with resilience, integrity and humour.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - The Diary of Dave Patridge

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• Diary [Jacobs Journal] Written by Dave Alan Patridge
• Herald & Review - Decatur, Illinois / Archive Newspapers.com
• 'I'd Give a Million Tomorrows' - by Billy Vaughn LISTEN HERE
• 'I'd Give a Million Tomorrows' Piano - by Patricia Walter LISTEN HERE
• 'American Love' - by Rose Laurens LISTEN HERE

There has been no financial nor commercial gain from this episode.

Episode 3 of 4

Dave Patridge was 31 when he received the diagnosis of AIDS in the summer of 1987, a time when fear and misinformation surrounded the disease. Originating from Illinois, he courageously chronicled his journey through illness in a diary, which he shared with the Herald & Review newspaper under the pseudonym ‘Jacob’, inspired by the character from La Cage Aux Folles.

His poignant reflections resonated with the Decatur community, with the odd objection, providing insight into the struggles and realities faced by those living with AIDS. Nearly four decades later, as someone living with HIV, I feel it is essential to amplify Dave's voice and preserve his legacy. By sharing his words, I aim to ensure that his experiences and messages continue to inform and inspire, honouring the journey he navigated with resilience, integrity and humour.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - The Diary of Dave Patridge

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• Diary [Jacobs Journal] Written by Dave Alan Patridge
• Herald & Review - Decatur, Illinois / Archive Newspapers.com

There has been no financial nor commercial gain from this episode.

Episode 2 of 4

Dave Patridge was 31 when he received the diagnosis of AIDS in the summer of 1987, a time when fear and misinformation surrounded the disease. Originating from Illinois, he courageously chronicled his journey through illness in a diary, which he shared with the Herald & Review newspaper under the pseudonym ‘Jacob’, inspired by the character from La Cage Aux Folles.

His poignant reflections resonated with the Decatur community, with the odd objection, providing insight into the struggles and realities faced by those living with AIDS. Nearly four decades later, as someone living with HIV, I feel it is essential to amplify Dave's voice and preserve his legacy. By sharing his words, I aim to ensure that his experiences and messages continue to inform and inspire, honouring the journey he navigated with resilience, integrity and humour.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - The Diary of Dave Patridge

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• Diary [Jacobs Journal] Written by Dave Alan Patridge
• Herald & Review - Decatur, Illinois / Archive Newspapers.com

There has been no financial nor commercial gain from this episode.

Episode 1 of 4

Dave Patridge was 31 when he received the diagnosis of AIDS in the summer of 1987, a time when fear and misinformation surrounded the disease. Originating from Illinois, he courageously chronicled his journey through illness in a diary, which he shared with the Herald & Review newspaper under the pseudonym ‘Jacob’, inspired by the character from La Cage Aux Folles.

His poignant reflections resonated with the Decatur community, with the odd objection, providing insight into the struggles and realities faced by those living with AIDS. Nearly four decades later, as someone living with HIV, I feel it is essential to amplify Dave's voice and preserve his legacy. By sharing his words, I aim to ensure that his experiences and messages continue to inform and inspire, honouring the journey he navigated with resilience, integrity and humour.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - The Diary of Dave Patridge

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• Diary [Jacobs Journal] Written by Dave Alan Patridge
• Herald & Review - Decatur, Illinois / Archive Newspapers.com
• I'd Give a Thousand Tomorrows [Piano] - Fun Music with Pat

There has been no financial nor commercial gain from this episode.

In this series finale, we delve into the complex and often troubling interplay between fear and exploitation surrounding AIDS diagnoses. Cases emerge that spotlight individuals who, either through personal struggle or malintent, weaponised the stigma of AIDS to manipulate and harm others.

Incidents of 'spitting', where individuals discharged saliva while claiming to be AIDS carriers, illustrate the depths of ignorance and the sheer panic they induced in victims. Equally disturbing are the stories of criminals wielding hypodermic needles, asserting that they contained HIV-infected blood.

In some instances, victims were not merely threatened but actually pricked, leading to overwhelming anxiety and distress. This disturbing phenomenon reveals a chilling manipulation of a public health crisis, turned into a tool for intimidation and crime.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - CRIME SERIES: The AIDS Bandits

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers
• American Newspaper Archives / Newspapers.com

*Judge Gloria is not a real judge, this is not a real court and none of those mentioned are on trial. The scope and purpose of this episode is to create a more immersive listening experience while sharing true stories as they were reported by the British newspapers.

In this episode, we examine two notable cases of what has been termed 'HIV reckless transmission,' an aspect of Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) where an individual transmits HIV to another without disclosing their status.

During the trial of the first man in the UK to be prosecuted, the judge remarked that the case relied on “pitiful evidence," highlighting the inherent difficulties in establishing a clear connection between the accused's actions and the transmission of the virus.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - CRIME SERIES: HIV & Reckless Transmission

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers
• News Bulletin - ITN News

*Judge Gloria is not a real judge, this is not a real court and none of those mentioned are on trial. The scope and purpose of this episode is to create a more immersive listening experience while sharing true stories as they were reported by the British newspapers.

In this episode, we delve into the lives of three men whose HIV/AIDS status tragically intertwined with their court appearances, leading to a profound public outing by the media. Each individual faced not only the repercussions of their alleged crimes but also the harsh realities of stigma associated with their health condition.

They were subjected to courtroom protocols that included the presence of personnel in “spacesuits” and for the first time in the courts history, stringent disinfection processes of the court dock, underscoring the societal fears surrounding HIV/AIDS at the time. While they received sentences for their offences, they also endured a lifetime of discrimination and isolation, as their confidential health information was unwittingly dragged into the public sphere, further complicating their struggles for acceptance and dignity.

All articles and relevant documents from this episode are available on the:

XTRA Tea Blog - CRIME SERIES: Court, Disinfectant & "Spacesuits"

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Music / Instrumental by Aries Beats 'A Sin' + WEBSITE

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Third-party media: Used under 'fair use' for the sole purpose of education, criticism and/or research relating to HIV/AIDS, featured in this podcast. No copyright infringement intended -

• British Newspaper Archives / Newspapers

*Judge Gloria is not a real judge, this is not a real court and none of those mentioned are on trial. The scope and purpose of this episode is to create a more immersive listening experience while sharing true stories as they were reported by the British newspapers.